Tuxedo

Elegant, crisp and quietly complex, the Tuxedo is a martini-style classic that dresses up any occasion. Built on a base of Old Tom gin and dry vermouth, it layers in maraschino liqueur, absinthe and orange bitters for a refined, aromatic profile.

This is a drink for those who enjoy nuance: herbal notes from the vermouth and absinthe, soft sweetness from the Old Tom and maraschino, and bright citrus from the bitters and lemon twist. Served in a chilled cocktail glass with a cherry, it has all the poise its name suggests.

Recognized as an official IBA cocktail, the Tuxedo bridges the gap between the early Martinez family of drinks and the modern Dry Martini, making it a fascinating piece of cocktail history in your glass.

Instructions

Official Recipe:

1. Chill a Cocktail Glass (Martini Glass) in the freezer for a few minutes, or fill it with ice and water while you prepare the drink.
2. Add 30 ml Old Tom gin, 30 ml dry vermouth, 1/2 bar spoon Maraschino Luxardo, 1/4 bar spoon absinthe and 3 dashes orange bitters into a mixing glass.
3. Fill the mixing glass with plenty of fresh ice cubes, almost to the top.
4. Stir gently but continuously for 20–30 seconds, until the mixing glass feels very cold and the drink is properly diluted.
5. Discard the ice and water from the chilled cocktail glass if you used them to chill it.
6. Strain the mixture through a strainer into the chilled Cocktail Glass.
7. Garnish with a cherry placed at the bottom of the glass and a twist of lemon zest expressed over the surface, then dropped in or placed on the rim.

Note: Aim for a silky, cold texture without over‑diluting; tasting a drop from the mixing spoon can help you decide when it is ready.

Tips

• Choose true Old Tom gin: Old Tom is slightly sweeter and rounder than London Dry. Using London Dry will make the drink sharper and drier, shifting the balance.
• Measure precisely: The small quantities of maraschino and absinthe are powerful. Use a proper bar spoon or jigger so they support, not dominate, the drink.
• Control dilution: Use plenty of solid, cold ice and stir just long enough. Over‑stirring will wash out the delicate aromatics of the vermouth and absinthe.
• Use fresh, quality vermouth: Vermouth oxidizes quickly. Keep it refrigerated and use within a few weeks to preserve its herbal brightness.
• Express the lemon oils: Twist the lemon zest over the surface of the drink to release essential oils before adding it. This adds a vivid citrus aroma that lifts the whole cocktail.
• Select the right cherry: A quality cocktail cherry (e.g. marasca) complements the maraschino liqueur. Avoid overly sweet, neon-red cherries if possible.
• Serve very cold: A pre-chilled glass and a well-stirred mix are essential; a Tuxedo should be crisp from the first sip to the last.

Classic Variations

• Tuxedo No. 1: A related historical formula using equal parts gin and dry sherry instead of vermouth, plus bitters; drier and more vinous in character.
• Drier Tuxedo: Reduce maraschino to just a few drops and use extra dry vermouth for a leaner, more martini-like profile.
• Martini-Style Tuxedo: Swap Old Tom for London Dry gin to create a sharper, contemporary take with a more pronounced juniper edge.
• Orange-Forward Tuxedo: Add an extra dash of orange bitters or flame an orange peel over the surface for a bolder citrus note.

Flavor Profile

On the first sip, the Tuxedo is crisp and aromatic, with bright citrus from the orange bitters and lemon zest leading the way. The juniper and botanicals of the Old Tom gin come through gently, softened by its natural sweetness.

Through the mid-palate, herbal and wine-like notes from the dry vermouth appear, merging with the cherry-almond nuance of the maraschino. A subtle anise and herbal character from the absinthe runs underneath, adding depth without shouting.

The finish is dry yet lingering: bitters, absinthe and vermouth leave a clean, slightly herbal aftertaste, while the cherry and maraschino add just a hint of fruit to invite another sip.

History

The Tuxedo is a classic cocktail dating back to the late 19th century, named after Tuxedo Park, an exclusive residential club in New York that helped popularize formal evening wear in the United States. Early versions appeared in influential bar manuals of the era, such as those by Harry Johnson and later by Harry Craddock in The Savoy Cocktail Book.

Originally, the Tuxedo belonged to the family of gin-and-vermouth drinks that eventually evolved into the Martini as we know it today. Its inclusion of maraschino, absinthe and bitters reflects an older style of cocktail making, when layered aromatics and fortified wines were more common than the ultra-dry, minimalist martini of the mid-20th century.

Today, the Tuxedo is recognized as an official IBA (International Bartenders Association) cocktail, preserving its place as an important link between the Martinez and the Dry Martini. It remains a favorite among classic cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate its balance of history, elegance and complexity in a single, perfectly chilled glass.

Cheers!